Thermal insulation especially for pipe, flanges and fittings

Abstract

A thermal insulation device for insulating irregularly shaped objects such as pipe flanges and fittings is described which comprises a flexible thermal insulation member of specified dimensions adhered to a cover sheet and also containing detection means for detecting leakage from the flange or fitting to be insulated. The device is removably attached to the flange or fitting by securing means. The device thus provides efficient thermal insulation of pipe flanges, fittings and the like while permitting easy and prompt detection of any leakage from within the structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A thermal insulation device for insulating irregularly shaped objects such as pipe flanges and fittings which comprises: (a) a single flexible thermal insulation member which has a width at least equal to the width of the object to be insulated and a length equal to the circumference of the object to be insulated;   (b) a single flexible cover sheet having a width and length each greater than the respective width and length of said thermal insulation member, and to one side of which said thermal insulation member is adhered, said cover sheet forming the outer surface of said thermal insulation device when said device is installed;   (c) detection means passing through said thermal insulation member and said cover sheet to detect leakage of fluid from said object to be insulated and to provide observable indication outside of said thermal insulation device that leakage has occurred from said object; and   (d) securing means to removably secure said device in position surrounding said object to be insulated.   
     
     
       2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said flexible thermal insulation member comprises a fibrous thermal insulation. 
     
     
       3. A device as in claim 2 wherein said fibrous thermal insulation member comprises glass fiber. 
     
     
       4. A device as in claim 1 wherein said flexible cover sheet comprises a sheet of corrugated metal. 
     
     
       5. A device as in claim 1 wherein said thermal insulation member and said cover sheet are aligned at one end thereof. 
     
     
       6. A device as in claim 1 wherein said detection means comprises an elongate object having an opening therethrough extending from inside said device to the outside thereof, said opening being at least partially filled with a wicking material. 
     
     
       7. A device as in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises hose clamps which encircle the outer surface of said cover sheet. 
     
     
       8. A device as in claim 1 wherein a portion of each end of said thermal insulation member and said cover sheet is absent, said absent section conforming in configuration to a projecting portion of the object to be insulated, such that when the device is installed it conforms to and abutts the outer surface of the projecting portion. 
     
     
       9. A device as in claim 8 wherein each of said absent portions is semi-circular in configuration.